The annual SB Nation NHL Mock Draft covers the opening round of the entry draft, this year comprising 32 prospects for the first time, after the Arizona Coyotes were forced to forfeit their pick ahead of last year’s 32-team event. That locks in the choices that will be referenced by the various sites now and in the future.
However, since the Montreal Canadiens hold the first pick for Round 2, and will have significant time to debate the options between when the opening round ends on Thursday night and the second day begins at 11:00 AM on Friday, we decided to unofficially extend the draft for one more pick to get an idea of what the Habs will be looking at as they’re called upon for the first of, at this moment, 12 picks on the second day.